Bahía de Luperón, the Dominican Republic | Government Begins Recovery Process of the Bay to Restore its Tourist Splendour and Ecological Balance

The Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza, announced the beginning of the recovery process of the Bahía de Luperón, with the removal of 26 stranded and abandoned boats, as part of an effort to revalue this important area and national park with the aim to protect its marine ecosystem and restore its tourist splendour and ecological balance.

Bahía de Luperón is located in the municipality of the same name in the province of Puerto Plata, to the north of the Dominican Republic, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, highlighted by the beautiful Playa Grande, 

The bay consists in a large enclosed mangrove situated in a point where the Central Cordillera converts this inlet into a natural refuge against storms and hurricanes guaranteeing the safety of the boats anchored there.

The beauty of this bay is impressive, it receives the greatest number of sailing yachts in the Caribbean and is considered an important base of global sailing.

This initiative is part of the provision of Law 64 - 00 on the Environmental and Natural Resources, which regulates the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of the natural environment in the Caribbean island.

The Minister of Presidency reported that the operation is carried out by the ARD, the Navy of the Dominican Republic in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment with the aim to restore the ecological balance and return the tourist attraction to this natural reserve.

Through a messeage via the social network X, the Minister said that these actions have the purpose ensure that the experience of visitors is comparable to that of other tourist destinations, and this effort seeks to attract a constant flow of visitors, balancing the number and density of activities in the area.

Link - https://gastroturismord.com/gobierno-inicia-recuperacion-de-bahia-de-luperon-para-devolverle-su-esplendor-turistico/

Dubai, UAE | Awarded as First Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere

Dubai, a city and emirate in the UAE, developed in the last decades into a significant and international trade hub with its economy relies on revenues from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate and financial service was awarded as first certified autism destination in the Eastern Hemisphere.

This recognition delivered by the IBCCES, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standard, signifies Dubai's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities.

The certification process involved training for the city's tourist - facing workforce, ceritifications for numerous attractions and hotels, and the development of sensory guides.

This achievement is the result of the collective efforts of stakeholders and partners to enhance accessibility across all aspects of the visitor experience, a milestone that could significantly impact how families with autistic menbers and sensory needs travel to the Middle East.

Key initiatives included staff training programmes, expanded visitor support at attractions, and the introduction of sensory guides and hidden disability lanyards.

Over 70.000 individuals have received autism and sensory awareness training, equipping them to better serve and support visitors with autism.

More than 300 hotels have participated in the training and cerification process, to ensure a comfortable and inclusive stay for guests with autism and senory sensitivities and also 15 attractions achieved IBCCES certification.

All certified locations in Dubai are being featured on the IBCCES Accessibilty APP, which is free to download.

As part of the certification programme, DET, the Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai collaborated with IBCCES on autism and sensory awareness training for the city's tourist - facing workforce and it included the "Dubai Way" online training platform developed by DCT, Dubai College of Tourism.

Dubai College of Tourism also continued to offer its Inclusive Service program, a self paced course that can be followed on the online Dubai Way platform which offers formation and knowledge required to provide excellent customer service to visitors and teaching applicants how best to cater and communicate with People of Determination. 

The entire course is taken online through video lessons with engaging activities and periodic assessments.

CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Issam Kazim, said that Dubai's designation as Certified Autism Destination is a landmark moment. 

The dedication to further elevating the experience in Dubai for all residents and visitors with accessibility is a core priority.

As additional and relevant note linked to the topic, Dubai International Airport in December 2023 was recognised as the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Centre designation.

Link - https://www.travelmole.com/news/dubai-becomes-first-certified-autism-destination/

Liverpool, England, UK | Introducing "City Visitor Charge", a New Tourist Tax to Support Tourism Development

Liverpool, a port city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside in northwest England, situated on the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary near the Irish Sea, a vibrant city with a rich history, home to the UK's second highest number of art galleries, national museums, listed buildings, and parks and open spaces, boasting a strong musical heritage,  particularly with linked to the iconic Beatles, is introducing a £2.0 per night "City Visitor Charge", a new tourist tax to support tourism development.

The British city starting form 1st June 2025 will apply this tax for overnight stays in hotels, after this levy was voted on by hotel owners and managed by accommodation BID with the aim to generate revenue for the city's visitor economy, primarily through a subvention fund.

This measure has been approved after the city's 83 hotels will mean the generation of £9.2 million, about €10.78 million in two years, of which £6.7 million will be used to support the city's tourism economy through a grant fund.

The £2.0 per nighr charge will be collected by hotels and services accommodation providers when guests check in or out.

The money raised will be used to improve infrastructure, attract major events, and boost tourism in Liverpool, an initiative follows Manchester's example, which introduced a similary voluntary charge in 2023.

Link
ttps://www.timeout.com/uk/news/liverpool-is-introducing-a-tourist-tax-for-visitors-cost-date-it-comes-into-effect-and-what-you-need-to-know-042825

Dusit International | Signed a Management Agreement to Operate a Hotel in Chengdu, China

Dusit International, leading multinational hotel and property company headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, group founded in 1948 boasting a portfolio of brands offering distinctive experiences, all united by service that is warm and attentive expands its presence in East Asia signing a hotel management agreement with Dongfong Nongbo Commercial Operation Management Company Limited based in Chengdu to operate Dusik Hotel AF Park in Chengdu, China.

The Thai hospitality group represented in China by Dusit Fudi Hotels & Resort, the company new property is set to open on 1st June 2025 and it will be situated within the Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park, about 30 minutes by car from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and downtown Chengdu, the capital of southwestern China's Sichuan province, a city with a relevant past dates back to at leasr the 4th century B.C.,when it served as capital for the Shu Kingdom.

The hotel is also 20 minutes from Xijin high - speed rail station, connecting key cities across Sichuan Province allowing guests to plan several radial excursions during their stays.

Guests can visit Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park encompasses approximately 2.7 kilometres, a vast area dedicated to sustainable farming, cultural tourism, high - tech agriculture, it integrates agricultural ehibitions, farming culture, scientific research, technology development and also leisure tourism into one experience.

The property will feature 250 comfortable rooms, and various facilities, including an all - day dining restaurant with a farm - to table focus, a specialty restaurant, and a Chinese restaurant boasting eight private dining rooms.

Additional amenities include a lobby lounge, a fully equipped gym, an indoor swimming pool. Pillarless Multi – Functional Conference Hall with three versatile meeting rooms, Mahjong Rooms and a dedicated Kid's Club.

Dusik Hotel AF Park will also offer immersive experiences that connect guests with Changdu cultural heritage including curated dining experiences reflecting Chengdu' status UNESCO City of Gastronomy, renowned for its spicy, flavourful dished, particularly its distinctive use of Sichuan peppercorns, visiting the world - renowned Sichuan Opera and the opportunity to see giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Dusit International with the addition of Dusik Hotel AF Park expands its portfolio to nearly 300 establishments operating under eight brands across 18 countries, and in China, the group currently operates seven hotels and has more than 20 properties in the pipeline.

Link - https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136178.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | To Launch the First Kimpton Hotel in the UAE

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, group that operates, manages and franchises hotels and resorts under several brands across the world signed an agreement to launch its first Kimpton hotel in the UAE, an operation in partnership with API Hotels & Resorts LLC, hospitality company headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Kimpton Dubai is a project that signifies the second collaboration between IHG Hotels & Resorts and API Hotels & Resorts LLC, following the  InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay's inauguration in September 2024.

The British hospitality company had previously signed a management agreement to introduce the Kimpton brand in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, marking the brand initial entry into the Middle East market. 

The property is expected to open its doors from early 2026, and its future opening is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts ongoing expansion in the Middle East, with the company currently operating over 122 hotels across nine countries in the region.

 IHG' portfolio continues to grow in the Middle East and currently includes various core brands such as Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo in the luxury and lifestyle collections, Crown Plaza and voco in the premium collections and Staybridge Suites in the suites collections.

The future Dubai's hotel enters in a high performing hotel brand like Kimpton Hotels, headqurartred in San Francisco, California, U.S, that has expanded globally, known for its stylish design - led hotels and restaurants, thoughtful amenities, emphasizing a personal and unscripted guest exoeriences, with a focus on making guests feel as at home.

The Kimpton Dubai will be located in the city's fast - growing business and lifestyle hub, an area already gained a reputation as an attractive location for both business and leisure, drawing a diverse crowd of professionals, residents and tourists near the emblematic Business Bay Canal, a 3.2 km pedestrian walkway alongside Dubai Canal runs from Business Bay through to the suburb of Jumeirah, minutes from famous landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

The hotel will feature 280 comfortable and stylish rooms, including standard guestrooms and suites, providing three unique dining options, a rooftop swimming pool, a spa, a fitness centee, curated retail outlets, seven adaptable meeting spaces, a ballroom and an ample parking.

The property is expected to uphold Kimpton's reputation for comfort, excellence in service and an innovative culinary offering, focusing on delivering exceptional food and beverage experiences. 

Links
https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2025/ihg-debuts-luxury-lifestyle-brand-kimpton-in-uae-with-280-room-kimpton-dubai
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136279.html

Virga Capital, Hilton | Opened a New Location of Home2 Suites by Hilton in Bozeman, Montana, U.S.

 Virga Capital, Montana - based real estate investment and development company focused on crafting spaces to better serve and help foster community opened a new location of Home2 Suites by Hilton in Bozeman, city in the Rocky Mountains in southern Montana, U.S.

Bozeman, a renowned destination well known for its natural beauty and for several outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing and backcountry exploring Yellowstone National Park, impressive wildlife and the also well known for nearby Bridger Range to the north and the Spanish Peaks.

This centre is witnessing a significant economic growth with a population increase of nearly 20% over the past year, a development coincides with a flourishing job market in construction, hospitality, technology, and professional services sectors.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Bozeman Four Corners enters in an all - suite extended stay hotel brand, known for its stylish and home - like accommodations considered one of the fastest growing brands in Hilton's history, designed to offer value - conscious guests a flexible and comfortable experience.

The new property is strategically located at 110 Homestake Drive in the Four Corners submarket, and it is the first hotel in the area, situated in a tranquil area, 13 kilometres from downtown Bozeman, 14.5 kilometres from the airport and 61.0 kilometres from the Big Sky Resort, famed destination with nearly 6.000 acres of skiable terrain, one of the hottest spots in the United States for snow skiing.

The hotel features 100 comfortable and spacious suites designed for business and leisure travellers and their pets, equipped with full kitches, making the property very suitable for extended stays.

Amenities include flexible workspaces, an indoor pool, an outdoor patio with fire pits, and a complimentary breakfast.

CEO of Virga Capital, Rob Lateiner, stated that the new hotel meets the needs of both long - and short -  term guests travelling through one of Montana's dynamic regions and the opening of this property marks an important milestone in Virga Capital's portfolio.

Link - https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bznfcht-home2-suites-bozeman-four-corners/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136123.html

Portugal | Properties for Rent Up 49% According to Data Analysis by Idealista

The supply of housing on the the rental market in Portugal increased by 49% between the beginning of 2025 and the same period in 2024, according to data analysis by Idealista, commercial company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Madrid, Spain, which supports real estate agents and private individuals across Southern Europe by providing an online real estate classified plattform.

In the last years the supply of properties for rent in Portugal increased in 16 of the 20 distrct capital / autonomous regions analysed, in Viseu, city and municipality in the Centro Region of Portugal, and the capital of the district of the same name, the available stock on the rental market doubled. A list of significant increases in supply was provided with these dates : 

•    Viseu, + 116%
•    Viana do Castelo + 92%
•    Porto, + 71%
•    Beja  + 67%
•    Braga, + 67%
•    Aveiro, + 61%
•    Guarda, + 61%
•    Coimbra, + 57%
•    Lisbon, + 54%

With increases in the supply of housing for rent of less than 50%, there are Santarém, 45%, Leiria, 38%, Évora, 29%, Setúbal, 20%, Castelo Branco, 16%, Bragança, 13% and Faro, 9%, reveal data from Idealista. 

Conversely the stock of houses on the rental market descreased between the first quarter of 2025 and the same period in 2024 in : 

•    Ponta Delgada, - 2%
•    Funchal, - 5%
•    Vila Real, - 24%
•    Portalegre, - 50%

Link -  https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-04-28/properties-for-rent-in-portugal-up-49/97220